Today, however, a relieved gaffer revealed his highly-prized asset’s absence might only be measured in days.

“He’s had the X-ray results and I am pleased to say there is no break. I can’t say for sure yet, but I am hopeful that he will be fit for the weekend.

“That will be a bonus because, as well as having to work with a small squad, Paul has been doing very well for us and he’s one we want in the team on a Saturday.”

Often reluctant to contribute to the hype surrounding the crop of young talent in the Dark Blues ranks, Alex did add that Dixon is one player of whom he has high expectations.

“He is one who has all the attributes and, when you look around, you see there are not too many quality left-backs about right now,” he added.

“One big strength he’s shown this season has been his consistency, and it is easy to forget he is still a very young player. He is definitely one who can go all the way.”

While Dixon was not training today, fellow-kid Kevin McDonald was out running despite still feeling his broken nose — hopes are also high that he will be able to play at Livi.

And Derek Lyle, out for four games through suspension and then a calf problem, took a step in the right direction when he increased his workload today.

As he looks to learn about his team as quickly as possible, however, he has admitted staying inside this weekend is an option.

“I’ve not thought about it too much and I haven’t decided yet, but sitting in the stand does give you a better view of the game and you are a little bit more detached emotionally than when you’re in the dugout,” he said.

“It is something I have done from time to time in the past and, while I am getting to know the players, it might be good for me to stay in the stand, but it is something I’ll decide on later in the week.”

Tonight, Craig will be at Rugby Park to see weekend opponents Kilmarnock’s CIS Insurance Cup clash with Motherwell and that means reserve boss Tony Docherty takes charge of the side that travels to Brechin on Forfarshire Cup duty.

And, with a couple of exceptions, Craig is happy to leave the make up of the team to his coach.

“I think you can guess that none of the strikers will be involved. We’ve only got Noel Hunt and David Goodwillie definitely available for the weekend and I just don’t think we can take the risk of using either of them,” he added.

“You will probably see a few of the players who were not involved at the weekend, like Archibald and Proctor, in the side and it’ll be a mixture of them and the kids.”

Definitely not stripped will be Lee Wilkie, who is still suffering from a slight hamstring problem. The plan remains for his next game to be out on loan in the lower divisions — East Fife have been linked — where he can spend a month working on his match sharpness.

Collin Samuel’s hamstring strain meant he was not training with the first-team squad today and, realistically, he is not expected to return until the trip to Dunfermline on Saturday week.

Brechin, meanwhile, will be without Grant Johnson and Ross Archibald for tonight’s game.

Both are coming back to fitness, but chairman David Birse felt they would not be risked.

He said, “Our players will be taking the game seriously and showing the full-time pros that they can compete at their level.

“But the Forfarshire Cup is also a chance for our manager to try out a few players who maybe don’t normally get a game in the first team.”

The action in tonight’s trip into Angus kicks off at 7.30 pm and there will be reduced admission prices at Glebe Park of £4 for adults and £2 for concessions. Home fans can use their season tickets.

Paul netted his seventh goal of the season as the Perth side marched back to the top of the First Division with a 2-0 home win over Partick Thistle on Saturday and he emphasised that Saints are hoping to visit Ibrox again next season — on league business.

“We’re taking 1000 fans with us and, for some of them, going there will be a rarity. But we hope it becomes the norm as we aim to get into the SPL by winning the First Division this season.”